Andrew O'Hara

Dublin, Ohio

Editor and Video Producer at AppleInsider

Journalist w/ @appleinsider. Cautious of people who think Crocs are cool. TL/DR: Scuba Diving Magician that shoots video. Read at https://t.co/GfU4oPcdZg

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Articles

iOS 26 battery & charging features: Hands on with adaptive power mode

2 days ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple is doing even more to help you protect your battery life and overall health with iOS 26. Here's how. Batteries are not eternal. They are a physical and chemical process that deteriorate over time, and will inevitably need to be replaced if you keep your device long enough. For years, Apple has prioritized battery health and longevity with features built into iOS. The upcoming iOS 26 takes things even further. We've been testing out the developer beta of iOS 26 for a couple of weeks.
Nuki smart lock, Hue wall washer & Blue Air Signature purifier on HomeKit Insider

4 days ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest HomeKit Insider Podcast, your host is joined by the founders of Nuki to talk about smart locks, as well as the rest of the week's news. On the latest HomeKit Insider Podcast, your host is joined by another pair of special guests to talk about smart locks, as well as the rest of the week's news. Sitting in on this episode are Jurgen and Martin Pansy, brothers who founded smart lock company Nuki.
AirPods & AirPods Pro in iOS 26 hands on: Camera control, new notifications, and more

1 week ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple is making your AirPods and AirPods Pro even better in iOS 26, adding camera control, better CarPlay hand-off, and more. Here's a hands-on look at what's coming. One of the best things about AirPods is that they aren't a static product. Apple has consistently bestowed new features upon them year after year with new firmware updates. 2025 is no different as Apple is bringing out many new features and enhancements for both AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro, in part thanks to iOS 26.
tvOS 26 hands on: Sleek Liquid Glass redesign, new Control Center and more

1 week ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple is giving Apple TV a fresh look in tvOS 26, complete with a sleek new Liquid Glass design and some smart new features. Here's what's new, what it looks like, and how it works. The forthcoming update, which is available for various Apple TV models, is out now as a developer beta. We downloaded it on our Apple TV 4K to try out the new features for ourselves. While the update may not be as monstrous as the ones for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, it's still noteworthy for users.
WWDC 2025 & whats coming in the fall on the HomeKit Insider podcast

1 week ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we wrap up WWDC 2025 by recapping all the new smart home features announced, and then go hands-on with the Govee lamp post light. Even though homeOS was not announced at WWDC, there were still several smart home-related announcements to come out of all Apple's new operating systems. After a week of digging, we've rounded up all the ones we've found thus far.
Hands on with all the new features with CarPlay in iOS 26

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple is rolling out a slew of new features for CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra in iOS 26. Here's what you can expect in the fall when the new operating systems ship. As with Apple's other platforms, CarPlay is getting a fresh coat of paint with iOS 26. The new Liquid Glass UI touches all parts of the CarPlay appearance. Newly introduced elements now match their iOS counterparts, complete with glass-like depth. They don't have the same moving specular highlights, though.
tvOS 26 adopts Thread 1.4 for an improved Apple Home experience

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Smart home devices that connect over Thread should have a much more stable network thanks to Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26. Thread is an IP-based wireless protocol that connects primarily smart home devices around the home. The devices create a self-healing mesh network that can be more reliable in the outskirts of your home than Wi-Fi.The protocol is much improved with Thread 1.4, which was adopted by Apple in tvOS 26.
A desk stand that wants to do more

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Hexcal Studio is a comprehensive desk organization system, delivering smart lights, power, charging hubs, and more in a helpful elevated desk stand that is held back by dated technology and price. I love the idea of a good desk stand. It's a shelf that elevates your monitor, provides necessary storage, and helps to organize the workspace where many people spend a significant amount of their day.
WWDC smart home wishlist, hands on with Find My devices, & Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu on HomeKit Insider

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Just a few hours before WWDC, your HomeKit Insider Podcast host dives into some possible new features in iOS 26 with Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu. Gimmy Chu is the CEO of Nanoleaf, who has appeared on the podcast multiple times to lend his expertise in the smart home and insight around the brand's newest products. Recently, Nanoleaf released a pegboard desk light and solar-powered garden lights.
Hands on with ThorBolt X1 & Brilliant Gen 2, plus more smart home news on HomeKit Insider

3 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, your host goes hands on with two recent product launches, and discusses more of best home automation news. In our hands-on portion, we have both the ThorBolt X1 deadbolt and the Brilliant second-generation smart wall panel to check out. The ThorBolt X1 is affordable and supports Apple Home Key, making it immediately of interest. It seems to have solid construction, is fast to respond, and is easy to install.